* Asks CPs to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest, prosecute offenders
The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has ordered Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to immediately initiate appropriate actions to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any individual(s) or group(s) in possession of prohibited firearms.
According to Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Frank Mba, the development was part of preparations towards the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as efforts by the Police High Command to curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country,
Mba said the directive had become necessary against the backdrop of the deliberate arming and movement of political thugs and other criminal elements across the country.
He added that the directive was targeted at addressing the proliferation and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in the country which was contrary to the provisions of Chapter F.28 LFN 2004 of the Firearms Act.
Mba further stated that Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the FCT had been directed to immediately convene an enlightenment meeting of all vigilance groups and quasi-security outfits spread across the country in order to ensure that their activities were in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.
“The IGP, while observing that several civil groups – vigilantes, quasi states and regional security outfits under various guises are arming themselves with prohibited firearms and weapons in contravention of the provisions of the Firearms Act, notes that the trend if unchecked, will pose serious threat to national security,” Mba added.
He said the IGP enjoined citizens to cooperate with the Police in the enforcement of this order as it was aimed at ensuring safety of life and property in the country.
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